Newsletter | May/June 2021
As the school year winds down, Rehearsal for Life is staying busy, presenting new Urban Improv filmed scenes and Freelance Players virtual musical-theater productions. Plus, check out this year's collaborative community performance from Youth Unscripted and a special project for our teens.
Urban Improv
We are proud to feature some of our newest curriculum. Partnering with Dr. Joseph Spinazzola, and through the invaluable support of The Foundation Trust, this year our Urban Improv ensemble piloted three new scenes exploring loss and grief — relevant for our young people during this unprecedented moment in history. Watch the first scene here.
In one of our newest filmed scenes, Urban Improv teaching artists Holly Tarnower (left) and Kevin Madison portray students grieving the recent sudden death of a young friend.
Youth Unscripted
At the end of March, the talented teens of Youth Unscripted presented The Life That's Within Us All, a showcase of original songs, choreography, spoken-word poetry and more — that you can watch on YouTube!

Plus, Youth Unscripted was invited to partner with the Boston Camera Club for a Fan Pier photo banner going up later this month. Taking inspiration from various photographs in the exhibition, our students created original songs, poems and artwork. The work of Choice, Jideofor, Phyls and Lillianis is featured online here under "Rehearsal for Life."
Freelance Players
Our Freelance Players afterschool performance Troupes have been working hard since January to prepare for our SIX virtual productions this spring! Bravo to our young actors, staff, families, friends and supporters! Watch them all on YouTube, and read along in our virtual playbills:

Join us in welcoming Mary Torpey to the Freelance Players helm as Head of Program! A long-time, invaluable member of the RFL community, across capacities and programs, Mary brings to this new role expertise, enthusiasm and love for both the work and the young people we serve. Read our official announcement here.
From Insight to Action
RFL's virtual Urban Improv classrooms open with land acknowledgements of the Indigenous peoples who, prior to colonization, stewarded the lands we occupy. Land acknowledgments can educate, inspire thankfulness and connect us to our own sense of place.
 
However, we must do more to engage with the violent legacies of colonization in our country and the world. Wizipan Little Elk, CEO of REDCO, recently challenged everyone who hears a land acknowledgment to donate at least one dollar to a Native-led organization.
 
How can we all support and uplift each other as we strive for equity and inclusion? Start the conversation with your family, friends and community! As we share ideas and resources, together we come closer to realizing the just and equitable future we aspire to — the future our young people deserve.
Support Our Students

Your generous contribution today helps us continue to grow our programming and serve our students, who need our support now more than ever. Thank you for thinking of the young people of Boston and beyond at this crucial time.
Thank You!
CONNECT WITH US
Follow for updates, insights and inspiration — and share with friends, family and educators near and far!